CVE-2016-2009 in Network Node Manager i
Summary
by MITRE
HPE Network Node Manager i (NNMi) 9.20, 9.23, 9.24, 9.25, 10.00, and 10.01 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted serialized Java object, related to the Apache Commons Collections (ACC) library.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2018
HPE Network Node Manager i version 9.20 through 10.01 contains a critical vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of serialized Java objects within the application's architecture, specifically through its reliance on the Apache Commons Collections library. The flaw exists in the deserialization process where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming serialized data, creating an avenue for malicious input to be processed and executed as code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of the Apache Commons Collections library's internal mechanisms for deserializing Java objects. When authenticated users send specially crafted serialized objects to the NNMi server, the application processes these objects through its deserialization pipeline without adequate security checks. This allows attackers to leverage the library's built-in features to execute arbitrary code on the target system, effectively bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires valid credentials to exploit, making it a remote authenticated command execution flaw.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network infrastructure management systems. The affected HPE NNMi versions are commonly used for network monitoring and management, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. The attack vector requires only a valid user account, which may be obtained through credential theft, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques. Network administrators must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be used as a stepping stone for broader network infiltration.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of HPE Network Node Manager i, applying the relevant security patches released by HPE, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502 which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a fundamental security weakness. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control through legitimate network protocols and privilege escalation through application exploitation. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for unusual deserialization activity. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious serialized object traffic patterns and regularly auditing system configurations to ensure proper patch management protocols are followed.